EP3331787B1 - Pallets stacking and dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to empty pallet storage. Specifically, a device for stacking such pallets is specified.

background

In markets and other businesses, the products to be sold or processed are often delivered on pallets. After the pallets have been unloaded, they must be stored in a space-saving manner for transport. For this purpose, the empty pallets are usually stacked and stored at a specific location.

Stacking pallets by employees is a strenuous task and also carries the risk of injury. For this reason, devices for stacking the empty pallets have been developed. Some of these pallet stacking devices are loaded using lifting trucks, which are already available for moving the loaded pallets.

That's how she teaches DE 102 10 315 B4 a pallet stacking device that can be loaded by means of a lift truck and has side parts that delimit a stacking space between them. Several supporting elements for the pallets to be stacked are provided on the side parts. Each carrying element can be pivoted between a carrying position projecting into the stacking space and a release position remote from the stacking space. In the carrying position, the carrying elements store the stacked pallets above a base area on which the stacking device stands. In the release position, the pallet stack can be removed using the lift truck.

A similar pallet stacking device is from WO 96/31420 A famous. There, the support elements provided for the pallets can be moved into their respective release position by means of electromagnetic devices or mechanically.

the DE 298 16 135 U1 discloses a truck mounted and therefore mobile pallet stacking device. The supporting elements of this device are over

Cable pulls connected to a pull lever. The carrying elements are pushed into their carrying position by spring force. The pull lever allows the support elements to be moved into the release position against the spring force.

the EP 2 772 408 A2 teaches a mobile transport pallet stacker with a U-shaped base structure. A height-adjustable frame with movable grips is provided in the lower area of the basic structure. The grippers are actuated by a lever located opposite a pallet feed opening in the U-shaped base. EP 2 772 408 A2 discloses a pallet stacking device according to the preamble of claim 1.

the DD 116 190 discloses a pallet magazine equipped with a pallet conveyor equipped with two pairs of claws. The pallet magazine includes a hydraulic cylinder that actuates the pairs of claws.

The pamphlet DE 44 16 218 A1 teaches a device for removing and feeding pallets into a stack of pallets, characterized by at least one lifting device for lifting at least part of the stack of pallets. The lifting device also has pivotable hook elements.

The pamphlet U.S. 2,693,898 A discloses an apparatus having two parallel pivoted members each having wheels with radially extending attachments, the attachments being adapted to laterally engage and hold a pallet.

The pamphlet U.S. 3,273,751 A teaches an apparatus for dispensing pallets from a vertical stack of pallets including a frame and a pair of rotatable shafts having wheels with bosses.

The pamphlet CA2 215 759 A1 discloses an apparatus for pallet stacking and unstacking. A plurality of projections are provided on a vertically movable jack. By controlling lifting cylinders that move the extensions, a user can operate the device without manual operation. The pamphlet DE 12 80 749 A1 discloses a device for handling a stack of box-shaped piece goods, with at least one gripper designed as a two-armed lever on each of the two opposite sides of the device is pivotally mounted, which can be brought into and out of engagement with the cargo.

A pallet stacking device is to be specified which can be operated in a simple and reliable manner.

Short outline

A pallet stacking device is specified. The pallet stacking device comprises two side parts which delimit a stacking space between them, each of the side parts receiving a shaft and each shaft being coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to a support element. The carrying element can be moved by rotating the respective shaft between a carrying position projecting into the stacking space for stacking pallets above a base area and a release position remote from the stacking space. The carrying elements each have a pallet contact area directed towards the base area, in order to be moved from the carrying position to the release position when contacting a pallet that is lifted from the base area. The pallet stacking device also includes a gear for converting a torque acting on one of the shafts into a rotational movement of the other shaft in such a way that the carrying elements can be transferred together from the carrying position to the release position.

The transmission can also be designed to carry out a reciprocal conversion in such a way that the carrying elements can be transferred together from the release position back into the carrying position. As an alternative or in addition to this, the carrying elements can be brought from the release position into the carrying position by an auxiliary force (eg a spring force or gravity).

In one embodiment, the pallet stacking device also includes a lever coupled to one of the shafts for applying a torque to the shaft. The lever can be designed as a hand lever. In some implementations, a lever, in particular a hand or foot lever, can be coupled to each of the two shafts.

In relation to a pallet feed into the stacking space, the side parts can each have a front end and a rear end. In this case, the lever or levers can be provided in the area of the front end or front ends. In other words, the lever or levers can be placed on the infeed side of the pallet stacker.

In one implementation, a stop is provided between the side parts in the area of the rear ends, limiting the pallet feed into the stacking space. The stop can be connected to the side parts or provided separately from them. For example, the stop can be formed on a frame part connecting the two side parts at their rear ends. The stop can thus be formed by the frame part provided as a connection.

The two side parts can also be connected to one another at their front ends. The connection can generally be made by means of a frame part which does not impede the feeding of one or more pallets into the stacking space. For example, this frame part can be designed as a bracket under which pallets can be fed into the stacking space. The connecting frame part can also be provided in the area of a base area.

The frame part connecting the side parts at their front ends can be designed to be at least partially movable or removable in order to release the front side of the stacking space for removal of the entire stack of pallets. The corresponding frame part can be provided on one of the side parts so that it can be moved via a joint or in some other way. Furthermore, the frame part can consist of several individual parts, each of which can be removed and/or moved individually, in order to enable removal of the entire stack of pallets.

The gear mechanism coupling the shafts to one another can be a lever mechanism. The lever mechanism may comprise two lever members, each connected to one of the shafts are rotatably coupled. Furthermore, the lever mechanism can comprise a linkage coupling the two lever members to one another.

In one implementation, the transmission is designed to convert a rotary motion of one shaft into an opposite rotary motion of the other shaft. For example, if one of the shafts is turned clockwise, the gearbox converts this rotational movement in such a way that the other shaft turns counterclockwise.

As mentioned at the outset, the side parts can each have a front end and a rear end in relation to a plate feed into the stacking space. The gear can be provided generally in the area of the rear ends of the side parts. Thus, the transmission can be located in the area of a frame part connecting the two side parts at their rear end. In particular, this frame part can form a housing or be part of a housing in which the transmission is accommodated. Alternatively or in addition to this, elements of the transmission can be mounted on the frame part.

The pallet stacking device presented here can have feet. For example, each side part can have a foot both at its front end and at its rear end. The side parts can be arranged at a distance from the base surface by means of the feet. In this way, a lift truck can be driven into the device underneath the side parts in order to lift and transport them (with or without stacked pallets).

One, two or more support elements can be coupled in a torque-proof manner to each shaft. If there are two or more support elements per shaft, these can be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

The supporting elements can jointly define a pallet support level. For example, the pallet support plane can be defined by the axial extensions of two supporting elements lying opposite one another. As an alternative or in addition to this, the pallet support level can be defined by the four support areas of two supporting element pairs lying opposite one another.

The pallet support level may be more than a nominal pallet height above the base. In this way, below the pallet support level

Free space can be created for feeding in another pallet. The pallet support level can also be designed in such a way that the free space underneath is sufficient to move the support elements into the release position. In general, the pallet support plane may be less than two nominal pallet heights above the base. Depending on the type of pallets used, the nominal panel height can be approximately 12 to 16 cm, for example.

The contact area can generally, and in particular in the carrying position, run obliquely to the base area.

The pallet stacking device can be designed in such a way that the carrying elements return automatically from the release position to the carrying position. According to a first variant, the return from the release position to the carrying position takes place automatically due to the force of gravity acting on the carrying elements. According to a further variant, one or more springs or other elastic elements are provided, which automatically transfer the carrying elements from the release position to the carrying position.

The pallet stacking device can be designed to be transportable. For this purpose, the device can be provided with handles or attachment points for a lift truck. Such handles or points of attack can be formed in particular in the area of the side parts.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht einer Paletten-Stapelvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2

eine Rückansicht der Paletten-Stapelvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Teilansicht der Paletten-Stapelvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 von hinten; und

Fig.4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Paletten-Stapelvorrichtung ähnlich der Fig. 1 mit einer aufgenommenen Palette.

Further details, functions and advantages of the pallet stacking device presented here are described in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the figures. Show it:

1

a front perspective view of a pallet stacking device according to an embodiment;

2

a rear view of the pallet stacking device according to FIG 1 ;

3

a perspective partial view of the pallet stacking device according to 1 from behind; and

Fig.4

a perspective view of the pallet stacker similar to FIG 1 with a picked up pallet.

Detailed description

1 14 is a front perspective view of a pallet stacking apparatus, generally designated 10, according to one embodiment. In the following, the terms “front” and “rear” are used in relation to a feed direction of a pallet to be stacked. The feed direction is in 1 approximately from right to left. The terms "down" and "up" refer to a direction toward and away from a base, respectively, on which the stacker 10 stands.

The stacking device 10 according to 1 comprises two mutually parallel side parts 12, 14, which belong to a frame of the device 10. The side parts 12, 14 each comprise a torsion-resistant hollow profile. The corresponding hollow profile of each side part 12, 14 is designed as a shell profile. In other embodiments, each side member 12, 14 may comprise two shell sections welded together.

Each of the two side parts 12, 14 has at its front and rear ends a foot 13, 15 for the stationary arrangement of the stacking device 10 on the base. About the feet 13, 15, the stacking device 10 can be anchored by screws or otherwise on the base. For this purpose, each foot can be formed with suitable means such as a through hole for receiving a screw.

The feet 13, 15 keep the side parts 12, 14 spaced from the base. In this way, a lift truck can be driven into the space between the underside of the side parts 12, 14 and the base in order to lift and transport the device 10 as a whole (with or without pallets).

The two side parts 12, 14 delimit a stacking space provided with the reference number 16 between them. The stacking space 16 has a rectangular base area, which is slightly larger in all directions than the base area of the type of pallet to be stacked.

At their front ends, the two side parts 12, 14 are connected to one another by a frame part designed as a bracket 18. The bracket 18 can be tubular. In the exemplary embodiment, it has the shape of an upside-down, blunt V and defines a feed opening 20 for feeding panels into the stacking space 16. A pallet to be stacked can thus pass under the bracket 18 into the stacking space 16.

In the embodiment according to 1 the bracket 18 is firmly connected to the two side parts 12, 14 in order to stabilize them relative to one another. In other exemplary embodiments, the bracket 18 can be omitted or can be designed to be pivotable or removable at least in certain areas in order to clear the feed opening 20 at the top for removal of the entire stack of pallets. For example, the bracket 18 can be formed in two parts. In this case, each bracket part can be pivoted to one of the two side parts 12, 14. Furthermore, the two bracket parts can be releasably connected to one another in a central area of the feed opening 20 via a removable bolt or another connecting means for stabilization purposes.

In another embodiment, instead of the bracket 18 or in addition to the bracket 18 in the area of the base, a connection designed as a flat profile can be provided between the two side parts 12, 14 at their front end. For example, the two front feet 13, 15 can be connected to one another in the area of the base for this purpose. If the corresponding connection is designed as a flat profile, it can easily be driven over by a lift truck when a pallet to be stacked is being transported into the stacking space 16 . The connection can include a flat strip steel, for example.

The two side parts 12, 14 are connected by a further frame part 22 at their rear ends. At the same time, the rear frame part 22 forms a stop that limits the pallet feed path into the stacking space 16 . In other exemplary embodiments, it would also be conceivable to design this stop for the pallet feed separately from the rear frame part 22 . In a variant, the stop is attached to the rear frame part 22 .

Each of the two side parts 12, 14 each takes a shaft 24, 26 in stock. In the perspective view according to 1 only the shaft 24 accommodated in the side part 12 can be seen. The two shafts 24, 26 are rotatably mounted in recesses in the upper areas of the feet 13, 15 and in the middle of the respective side part 12, 14.

According to the 1 In the embodiment shown, each of the two side parts 12, 14 has a U-profile in cross section, within which the respective shaft 24, 26 is accommodated. The respective side part 12, 14 is open in the direction of the stacking space 16. These open sides of the side parts 12, 14 could be closed at least in certain areas by covers (not shown in the figures).

Each of the two shafts 24, 26 is coupled in a torque-proof manner to two supporting elements 32, 34 for the pallets to be stacked. The two support elements 32, 34 provided for each shaft 24, 26 are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the shaft 24, 26. Specifically, a support element 32, 34 is provided in the area of the front or rear end of the respective shaft 24, 26.

A lever 28, 30 is coupled to each of the two shafts 24, 26 at the front end thereof. The levers 28, 30 are each designed as hand levers and make it possible to apply a torque to the associated shaft 24, 26.

The two shafts 24, 26 are in the figures 2 and 3 gears 36 shown coupled to each other. The transmission 36 is designed to convert a torque acting on one of the shafts 24, 26 and a rotary movement of this shaft 24, 26 resulting therefrom into a rotary movement of the other shaft 24, 26. This conversion takes place in such a way that the carrying elements 32, 34 can be transferred together from a carrying position to a release position.

The carrying position of the carrying elements 24, 26 is shown in the figures. Specifically, in the carrying position, the carrying elements 24, 26 protrude into the stacking space 16 in order, as in FIG 4 shown to store one or more pallets 62 above the base. In the release position, however, the support elements 32, 34 are far removed from the stacking space 16 that the stored pallets 62 can be removed individually. If you want to remove the entire stack of pallets, For example, the bracket 18 can be omitted or, as shown above, can be designed to be at least partially movable or removable.

It can be clearly seen that the transmission 36 is accommodated in a housing formed by the rear side part 22 . For reasons of clarity, a cover closing the housing at the rear is not shown in the figures.

In the present embodiment, the gear 36 is designed as a lever gear. It comprises two lever members 38, 40 which are each coupled to one of the shafts 24, 26 in a torque-proof manner. The transmission 36 also includes a linkage 42 that couples the two lever members 38, 40 (rigid in the exemplary embodiment) to one another.

As in 3 can be seen, in the carrying position of the carrying elements 32, 34, the two lever members 38, 40 extend in opposite directions. Specifically, the lever member 38 extends toward the base and the other lever member 40 extends away from the base. This arrangement of the lever members 38, 40 in combination with their coupling via the linkage 42 couples the two shafts 24, 26 in opposite directions.

For example, a torque introduced into the shaft 24 via the hand lever 28 and a rotary movement of the shaft 24 resulting therefrom is converted into a rotary movement of the other shaft 26 in the opposite direction. So if the hand lever is 28 in 3 actuated to the left, the support elements 32 coupled thereto in a rotationally fixed manner via the shaft 24 also pivot to the left. The gear 36 converts the corresponding rotational movement of the shaft 24 into an opposite rotational movement of the shaft 26 in such a way that the support elements 34 (and the hand lever 30) coupled to the shaft 26 in 3 be pivoted to the right. When the hand lever 28 is actuated in the manner described, all the support elements 32, 34 are removed together from the stacking space 16 and transferred to their release position. The same applies to a torque acting on the hand lever 30, which in 3 is directed to the right.

The support elements 32, 34 are shaped and fastened to the shafts 24, 26 in such a way that, due to the force of gravity acting on them, they automatically return from the release position to the support position as soon as the torque described above is no longer acting on any of the shafts 24, 26 (i.e the hand lever 28 or 30 was released again). The angular position of the shafts 24, 26 with respect to the Support position defined by a bottom edge 46 of support members 32 abutting a bottom side surface 48 of side panel 12 (and similarly for support members 34 of side panel 14). In 2 Slit-shaped recesses 50 in an upper side surface of the side part 12 for regionally accommodating the support elements 32 in the release position are clearly visible. Similar recesses 52 are also provided in the opposite side part 14 (cf. 1 ).

In addition to the side edges 46 of the support elements 32, 34 pointing downwards (in the exemplary embodiment), these also each have an edge 54, 56 pointing upwards, which serves as a support area for the pallets 62 to be stacked. The upper edges 54, 56 of the support elements 32, 34 thus together define a pallet support level above the base of the stacking space 16. In conventional Euro pallets, this pallet support level is spaced approximately 15 to 19 cm from the base. The weight of the pallets 62 held by the support elements 32, 34 at a distance from the base area is introduced into the base area via the side parts 12, 14 and their feet 13, 15.

The figures also show that between the lower and upper edges 46, 54, 56 of the support elements 32, 34, which are arranged parallel to one another, a pallet contact area 58, 60 running obliquely to the base surface 16 extends. If a pallet 62, which is lifted from the base 16, comes into contact with these pallet contact areas 58, 60 of the carrying elements 32, 34, the carrying elements 32, 34 are pivoted by the lifting movement from the carrying position into the release position.

It should be pointed out that the number and the design of the support elements 32, 34 can also be selected to deviate from the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures. For example, three or more support elements can be provided per shaft. Furthermore, only a single support element could be present, which has a correspondingly larger contact surface for the pallets 62 . Corresponding changes are therefore within the scope of professional action.

In the following the function of the stacking device 10 according to the Figures 1 to 4 in connection with the storage and stacking as well as the removal of pallets 62 explained in more detail. A lift truck, in particular a scissor lift truck, is used for this purpose.

In a first step, an empty pallet 62 to be stored is pushed with the lift truck via the feed opening 20 on the front of the device 10 into the stacking space 16 and—in the case of a conventional Euro pallet—raised by approximately 17 cm. As a result of this lifting of the pallet 62, it comes into contact with the pallet contact areas 58, 60 of the support elements 32, 34, which run obliquely to the base area pivoted out to their release positions. The upper edge of the pallet 62 slides along the pallet contact areas 58, 60 of the support elements 32, 34 and finally folds them outwards. As soon as the pallet 62 has been raised far enough, the carrying elements 32, 34 fold back into their carrying position automatically (due to the force of gravity).

After the supporting elements 32, 34 have been folded back into their respective carrying position, the pallet 62 is lowered by approximately 3 to 4 cm by means of the lifting truck. In this position, the support elements 32, 34 then support the upper layer of boards of the pallet 62 from below, as is shown in 4 is shown. The pallet 62 is thus held securely at a pallet support level spaced approximately 17 cm from the base of the stacking space 16 . This free space is sufficient, after the lifting truck has been completely lowered and removed, to push another pallet below the pallet 62 that has already been picked up into the stacking space 16 with the lifting truck (cf. 4 ). The first pallet 62 already stored is also gripped by a subsequent lifting of this second pallet as soon as the upper side of the upper layer of boards on the second pallet comes into contact with the underside of the lower layer of boards on the first pallet 62 . The second pallet then also slides, as described above, along the pallet contact areas 58, 60 of the support elements 32, 34, as a result of which these are again transferred outwards into their release position. After the second pallet has been raised sufficiently (again by approximately 17 cm), the carrying elements 32, 34 fold back into their carrying position, so that both the second pallet and the first pallet 62 stacked on it are now stored in the stacking space 16 above the pallet support level are. Up to twelve or more pallets 62 can be stacked in this way.

The empty lift truck is moved into the stacking space 16 to remove a single pallet 62 . Then, using the lift truck, the already stacked ones are lifted Pallets 62 raised approximately 4 cm. Then, by means of one of the hand levers 28, 30, the carrying elements 32, 34 are transferred together from the carrying position to the release position and are held in the release position. The stack of pallets is then lowered until the penultimate pallet can be held by the support elements 32, 34. The user then releases the hand lever 28, 30 again so that the carrying elements 32, 34 fold back into their carrying position and can pick up the stack of pallets reduced by one pallet 62 again. Finally, the bottom pallet 62 is lowered until it is free and can be pulled out of the stacking device 10 with the lift truck.

It goes without saying that instead of the hand lever 28, 30, one or more foot pedals can also be provided in order to be able to transfer the carrying elements 32, 34 from the carrying position to the release position (and possibly back). Furthermore, as discussed above, the bracket 18 may be omitted, made removable, or provided movable to allow removal of the complete stack of pallets

The pallet stacking device 10 presented here is suitable for stacking twelve or more pallets 62. If there are more than twelve pallets 62 or otherwise, the use of a grid or cage that at least partially delimits the stacking space 16 may be necessary for safety reasons.

Pallets 62 can thus be stored and handled in a decentralized manner using the device 10, even at locations where no electrical or hydraulic devices are available. The complete device 10 with the stored pallets 62 can be moved with a lift truck and placed at another location.

Claims (15)

1. A pallet stacking device (10) comprising

   two side members (12, 14) defining a stacking space (16) therebetween, wherein each side member (12, 14) receives a shaft (24, 26), and wherein each shaft (24, 26) is non-rotatably coupled to a support member (32, 34) which is movable by rotation of the shaft (24, 26) between:

   - a support position projecting into the stacking space (16) for stacking pallets above a base surface, and

   - a release position removed from the stacking area (16);

   a gear (36) for converting a torque acting on one of the shafts (24) into a rotary movement of the other shaft (26) in such a way that the supporting elements (32, 34) can be jointly transferred from the supporting position to the release position,

   characterized in that the support members (32, 34) each have a pallet abutment portion (58, 60) directed toward the base surface for being moved from the support position to the release position upon abutment with a pallet being lifted from the base surface.
2. The pallet stacking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising
   a lever (28, 30) coupled to one of the shafts (24, 26) for applying torque to the shaft (24, 26).
3. The pallet stacking device according to claim 2, wherein
   the lever is designed as a hand or foot lever (28, 30).
4. The pallet stacking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
   the side members (12, 14), with respect to a pallet feed into the stacking space (16), each have a front end and a rear end, wherein a feed direction extends from front to rear, and wherein the lever (28, 30) is provided in the region of the front end of one of the side members (12, 14).
5. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the side members (12, 14), with respect to a pallet feed into the stacking space (16), each have a front and a rear end, wherein a feed direction extends from front to rear, and wherein a stop (22) limiting the pallet feed into the stacking space is provided between the side members in the region of the rear ends.
6. The pallet stacking device according to claim 5, wherein
   the stop is formed on a frame member (22) connecting the two side members (12, 14) at their rear ends.
7. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the side members (12, 14), with respect to a pallet feed into the stacking space (16), each have a front end and a rear end, wherein a feed direction extends from front to rear, and wherein the two side members are connected at their front ends by a frame member (18).
8. The pallet stacking apparatus of claim 7, wherein the frame member (18) is at least partially removable or movable to expose a front side of the stacking space (16) for removal of a stack of pallets.
9. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
   the gear is a lever gear (36).
10. The pallet stacking apparatus of claim 9, wherein
    the lever gear (36) comprises two lever members (38, 40) each coupled to one of the shafts (24, 26) for rotation therewith, and a linkage (42) coupling the two lever members to each other.
11. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    the gear (36) is designed to convert the rotary movement acting on one shaft (24) into a rotary movement in the opposite direction of the other shaft (26).
12. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

    the side members (12, 14), with respect to a pallet feed into the stacking space (16), each have a front end and a rear end, wherein a feed direction extends from front to rear, and wherein the gear (36) is provided in the region of the rear ends of the two side members (12, 14); and/or said pallet stacking device further comprising

    feet (13, 15) supporting the side members (12, 14) spaced from the base surface to permit lifting of the device (10) by means of a lift truck moved below the side members (12, 14).
13. The pallet stacking apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two support members (32, 34) are non-rotatably coupled to each shaft (24, 26) and are provided spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the shaft (24, 26); and/or
    wherein
    the support members (32, 34) collectively define a pallet support plane and wherein the pallet support plane is above the base surface by more than a nominal pallet height.
14. The pallet stacking apparatus of claim 1, wherein.
    the pallet abutment portion runs at an angle to the base surface.
15. The pallet stacking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein
    the support members (32, 34) automatically return from the release position to the support position due to the force of gravity acting on the support members and/or due to one or more elastic elements being provided.

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